Susan Sarandon Proves Flatforms Are the New Red Carpet Heels in White Alberta Ferretti Jumpsuits

Susan Sarandon has spent over five decades redefining Hollywood style, proving that a monochromatic palette is the ultimate timeless power move.

This was on full display in August 2023, when the Academy Award winner arrived at the 20th Magna Graecia Film Festival in Catanzaro, Italy, to accept the Golden Column for Lifetime Achievement.

Rather than traditional evening gowns, the Thelma & Louise star opted for a masterclass in summer versatility, showcasing two distinct white jumpsuits from Alberta Ferretti’s Resort 2023 collection. Her choice of footwear—a signature deviation from red-carpet norms—offered a lesson in balancing high-fashion tailoring with functional, modern silhouettes.

Susan Sarandon receives the Golden Column for Lifetime Achievement at the 20th Magna Graecia Film Festival at the Palazzo Della Regione in Catanzaro, Italy, on August 2, 2023 (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

A Daytime White Jumpsuit Styled for Summer Ease

She arrived at a photocall earlier in the day in a casual but stylish jumpsuit made from broderie anglaise cotton.

The refined geometric motif, inspired by mandalas—geometric patterns often used in spiritual and religious practices—created delicate, see-through cutouts that were both elegant and flattering.

Susan’s white-collared jumpsuit, with beautiful balloon sleeves that echoed the leg’s shape, was the perfect blank canvas for her gleaming gold jewelry.

Susan Sarandon pairs a white broderie anglaise jumpsuit by Alberta Ferretti with Stella McCartney Elyse flatforms, proving that summer elegance doesn’t require traditional heels (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

The Maybe I Do actress wore a huge pendant on a delicate chain, a stack of gold bangles, several gold rings, and red-framed spectacles for a pop of color.

Why Stella McCartney’s Elyse Flatforms Worked on the Red Carpet

Susan opted for the monochromatic woven version of Stella McCartney’s “Elyse” flatforms over the more obvious choice of sandals, wedges, or white sneakers to complete her white summer outfit.

Susan Sarandon wears her red curls down and styles her look with red-framed specs and gold jewelry (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

An Evening Shift to Satin and Fluid Tailoring

Later, Susan changed into the “Enver” white satin jumpsuit from Alberta Ferretti’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection, defined as a “hymn to lightness and fluidity.”

This sleek summer ensemble featured a tailored satin construction, resulting in a broad, fluid fit. It was fastened at the waist with a ribbon belt, emphasizing the leg’s large, flared line.

The simple yet elegant creation also featured remborsé-effect sleeves that lend a romantic, feminine accent to the design, as well as folds and counterfolds that highlight the fabric’s softness.

Susan Sarandon swaps her broderie anglaise jumpsuit for a tailored white satin Alberta Ferretti design with center folds, remboursé-effect sleeves, and fluid wide-leg trousers, finishing the look with Stella McCartney flatforms (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

Repeating the Flatform Formula for a Polished Evening Look

Completing her summertime red-carpet look were her Stella McCartney flatform sneakers and gold jewelry. She then wore her auburn-hued curls down and gave her white outfit a splash of color with bright red lipstick.

Susan Sarandon adds a pop of color to her white ensemble with bright red lipstick (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)

Off the Red Carpet: Susan Sarandon’s Activism Beyond Fashion

Susan’s outing came after she was seen on the picket lines for the SAG-AFTRA strike, holding a sign that read: “SAG-AFTRA ON STRIKE!”

She’s just one of many celebrities who joined the Writers Guild of America (WGA) in their fight for better pay and job security caused by the streaming boom.

Susan Sarandon joins the Writers Guild of America (WGA) in their fight for better pay and job security on July 19, 2023 (Credit: Janet Mayer / Startraksphoto)

More Susan Sarandon Shoe Moments That Defy Red-Carpet Rules

Susan Sarandon’s style evolution has never been about following fashion formulas. Whether she’s choosing unconventional flats, menswear-inspired oxfords, or rejecting traditional heels altogether, her footwear consistently reflects a confident, rule-breaking approach to red-carpet dressing.

For a deeper look at how she continues to redefine celebrity shoe style across decades and events, explore these standout fashion and footwear moments from Your Next Shoes.